# Portrait of Mary Wise

- By: Thomas Gainsborough (British, 1727–1788)
- Date: c. 1774
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Classification: Painting
- Dimensions: Unframed: 76.2 x 63.6 cm (30 x 25 1/16 in.)
- Culture: England, 18th century
- Credit line: The Elisabeth Severance Prentiss Collection
- Museum: [Cleveland Museum of Art](https://clevelandart.org/art/1944.82)
- Rights: [Public domain (CC0)](https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/)
- Picture: https://openaccess-cdn.clevelandart.org/1944.82/1944.82_web.jpg
- Who can see it: Tweens profiles and older (museums give no ratings; placed by Invisible Network from the museum's own words)

Mary’s modest and contemplative demeanor is a counterpoint to a rather elaborate ensemble consisting of a gown embroidered with gold flower sprigs, trimmed with lace and pearls, and tied with a gold sash, as well as a gold-striped veil and a bracelet with eight gold bands. Gainsborough’s compact oval format and the sitter’s informal pose lend this portrait an air of intimacy.